PASCO, Wash. - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented new and stronger carry-on baggage security screening procedures at three Washington airports including Tri-Cities Regional Airport, Yakima Air Terminal - McAllister Field in Yakima; and Pangborn Memorial Airport in Wenatchee. The new procedures require travelers to place all electronics larger than a cell phone in bins for x-ray screening.
Travelers departing these airports will be asked to remove electronics larger than a cell phone from their carry-on bags and place them in a bin with nothing on top or below, similar to how laptops have been screened for years. This simple step helps TSA officers obtain a clearer X-ray image of the electronic devices. The new screening procedures were tested at 10 airports over the past several months.
TSA has identified ways to improve screening procedures with quicker and more targeted measures to clear potential threat items in carry-on bags. However, passengers may experience more bag checks so it is important that passengers arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to their flight’s departure.
TSA officers will be stationed in front of the checkpoint X-ray machines to guide passengers through the screening process and recommend how best to arrange their carry-on items for X-ray screening. Travelers are encouraged to organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered to make the screening process easier.
There are no changes to what travelers can bring through the checkpoint. Liquids in quantities less than 100 ml (3.4 ounces), electronics, and books continue to be allowed in carry-on bags.
In late July, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that these new carry-on procedures would be implemented at all airports in the coming months. This is part of an effort to raise the baseline for aviation security and stay ahead of the evolving threat against aviation.
In late June, DHS announced new security procedures for nearly 280 airports in more than 100 countries. TSA continues to work closely with airports and airlines to enhance security measures.
Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration
